Portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte

French Emperor and conqueror

Early Modern influential 138 sayings

Sayings by Napoleon Bonaparte

Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.

— Military maxim
War & Conflict Confirmed

A throne is only a bench covered with velvet.

1800s — Private remark recorded by his secretary
Power & Leadership Unverifiable

If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god.

1815-1821 — Conversation on St. Helena
Biblical Confirmed

I love power as a musician loves his violin.

— Private remark
Love & Relationships Confirmed

Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.

— On the power of the press
Wisdom Confirmed

History is a set of lies agreed upon.

1815-1821 — Private conversation on St. Helena
Educational Confirmed

The best way to keep one's word is not to give it.

— Maxim recorded by his secretary
Wisdom Confirmed

You must not fear death, gentlemen; death can only be a release from misery.

— To his generals before battle
Life & Death Unverifiable

Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools.

— Frequently repeated maxim
Inspirational Unverifiable

Religion is an excellent thing for keeping the common people quiet.

c. 1800-1815 — Attributed, various sources
Religious Confirmed

There are only two forces in the world, the sword and the spirit. In the long run the sword will always be conquered by the spirit.

c. 1804-1815 — Maxims (1804-1815)
General Unverifiable

A man will fight harder for his interests than for his rights.

c. 1804-1815 — Maxims (1804-1815)
General Unverifiable

Ability is nothing without opportunity.

c. 1804-1815 — Maxims (1804-1815)
General Unverifiable

Circumstances? I make circumstances!

c. 1800-1815 — Attributed, various sources
General Unverifiable

The surest way to remain poor is to be an honest man.

c. 1800-1815 — Attributed, various sources
General Confirmed

Imagination rules the world.

c. 1804-1815 — Maxims (1804-1815)
General Unverifiable

Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action has arrived, stop thinking and go in.

c. 1804-1815 — Maxims (1804-1815)
General Unverifiable

The only way to lead people is to show them a future: a leader is a dealer in hope.

c. 1800-1815 — Attributed, various sources
General Unverifiable

Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.

c. 1804-1815 — Maxims (1804-1815)
General Unverifiable

The battlefield is a scene of constant chaos. The winner will be the one who controls that chaos, both his own and the enemy's.

c. 1800-1815 — Attributed, various sources
General Unverifiable
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